The University of Texas at Dallas
AIR AMERICA AND CAT EMPLOYEES
ON THE OCCASION OF A MEMORIAL DEDICATION
MCDERMOTT LIBRARY, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS
BY
JERRY FINK
30 MAY, 1987
It was with some hesitation that I accepted the task of delivering the eulogy
for 241 people because many of them were not known to me personally. Their death
or disappearance had occurred over a period of three decades and they represented
six different cultural backgrounds. In addition, another decade has slipped
by since the door closed on the events which bring us together here today. In
such circumstances, I wondered how should one begin.
There is a common thread which connects each name on the honor roll being
dedicated. At the time each person died or was declared missing in action they
were employed by an aviation complex best known collectively as "Air America"
or CAT. That common thread has continued and connects the past to the present.
Many past employees here today are members of the Air America Club, which initiated
this memorial effort, the CAT Association or both. With the assistance of the
McDermott Library and the University of Texas we members of the two organizations,
along with the families, friends and relatives of these being honored are ensuring
that this common thread shall serve as a connection to the future.
We have undertaken to do this so that none of those who died or disappeared
shall be forgotten. That not one of them, in the words of Sir Walter Scott,
shall go "unwept, unhonored and unsung." The cause of freedom for
which they gave so much shall be continued in their names.
"To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under
the heaven." The time to honor those who died or disappeared is now, today
at this dedication ceremony.
- We honor them for the courage of their convictions supporting foreign
wars where democracy and freedom of the individual were being challenged;
- We honor them for the devotion to duty required working side by side with
citizens of countries who were fighting a losing battle to keep their lands
free, often under substandard conditions and in hostile situations;
- We honor them for the humanity they displayed in supporting the efforts
to provide food and evacuation for people whose lives were threatened;
- We honor them for the bravery required to carry troops and ammunition
to and from military action sites;
- We honor them for serving the cause of freedom as civilians during which
their death or disappearance occurred with the same finality as their uniformed
comrades;
- We honor them for their loyalty to their countries and to the company
for which they worked;
- Finally, we honor them because they may not otherwise be honored publicly
by the United States Government and the Central Intelligence Agency which were
their ultimate employer and for whom they made the supreme sacrifice serving
the cause of freedom.
Freedom has always been a most sought after goal by those under the yoke
of domination. Many misguided people spoke out against and will continue to
speak out against the type of activity for which our fellow employees gave their
lives. Our actions here today will ensure that each name serves as an inspiration
to future generations who believe as they did. Each name stands as a tribute
to the cause of freedom.
To be well thought of after death is perhaps the highest form of praise.
To ensure the success of this eulogy, I ask each of you to participate in a
minute of silence to remember and honor in your own way the dead or missing
whom you knew.
Thank you very much
